<p>AspDoc, its not that "liberal ideas are difficult to argue with at their surface". they're very easy to argue with at the surface if you're willing to fight social mores. More to the point though, its that Liberal ideals appeal more to the young because young people are generally more idealistic, and have less at stake in preserving the status quo; this is the same reason the poor tend to be more left leaning. Similarly, older people tend to get more conservative because they already have money or are earning it, and thus want to maintain the way things are (especially if they're well to do) because they have a great interest in preserving their current status. Also, age brings cynicism. "I've got problems of my own, why should I care about some Africans?" compared to "Save Darfur!". </p>
<p>When was the last time you heard of a 40-something volunteering for the peace corps? How about a 20-something?</p>
<p>I'm a pro-states' rights social conservative, and I lean libertarian on economic and taxation issues. Except for national defense, maintenance of order, immigration control, etc, I believe in limited government and strong personal/corporate initiative. In other words, I'm very conservative. </p>
<p>I live in a comparatively liberal part of Virginia, so I'm actually kind of an outlier.</p>
<p>Libertarianism is actually not a left/ right issue. Libertarianism is the opposite of Authoritarianism. Hence why both deep southern states and New Hampshire are very libertarian whilst being vastly different in terms of many social ideas.</p>
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When was the last time you heard of a 40-something volunteering for the peace corps? How about a 20-something?
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<p>My dad's cousin (I'm not really sure what that makes her to me, 2nd cousin?) is 45 and still actively involved in Peace Corps, has been for 15 years. My sister joined the peace corps (she is 21) but then got really sick so isn't active at this time.</p>
<p>I'm from a blue state and I lean towards being liberal. I'm not really conservative on any issue but some I lean more towards moderate. Socially it is all liberal but economically I am moderate to liberal.</p>
<p>Eastern Tennessee. I think that speaks for itself.
As for my political leanings, I guess I'm center-left, with no real party affiliation. Of course, many in my area of the country would probably consider me a radical Democrat.</p>
<p>I may be the biggest Republican on this board. I'm from western PA, which is sort of split but seems to have more democrats.</p>
<p>I'm a hardcore GOP. I support the war, support NCLB, am fully against gay marriage and abortion, hate unnecessary taxes, campaigned heavily for Bush in 2004, and listen to Rush and Hannity. Romney-McCain 2008, anyone? Or maybe Thompson, he seems like he'd be good too. (I wanted Bill Frist but he's not going to run...)</p>